RN License Renewal in Arkansas (2026)

RN license renewal in Arkansas is handled by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, which requires Registered Nurse (RN)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Arkansas RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial, staggered by birth date — a license expires the last day of the licensee's birth month and renews every two years. The online renewal link opens 60 days before expiration; a late penalty applies after expiration.
CE hours required	15 hours
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Go to the official Arkansas State Board of Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. manual review of Arkansas State Board of Nursing renewal and fee pages.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Arkansas

Each two-year cycle the nurse completes one of: 15 practice-focused contact hours from a recognized/approved CE body; national certification or re-certification recognized by ASBN; or an academic course in nursing or a related field. Nurses now affirm completion at renewal rather than uploading certificates.

Need approved hours? Compare Arkansas RN CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your RN license in Arkansas

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing portal.
Complete the required 15 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Renewal is via the Arkansas Nurse Portal. The first license can run 3–27 months depending on birth date before the standard biennial cycle. Fees verified on the official ASBN fee page ($100 renewal; $100 late penalty).

RN license renewal in Arkansas: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Arkansas?

Arkansas RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial, staggered by birth date — a license expires the last day of the licensee's birth month and renews every two years. The online renewal link opens 60 days before expiration; a late penalty applies after expiration.

How many CE hours are required to renew an RN license in Arkansas?

Approximately 15 continuing-education hours per cycle. Each two-year cycle the nurse completes one of: 15 practice-focused contact hours from a recognized/approved CE body; national certification or re-certification recognized by ASBN; or an academic course in nursing or a related field. Nurses now affirm completion at renewal rather than uploading certificates. Confirm the current requirement with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Can I renew my Arkansas RN license online?

Yes — Arkansas offers online renewal through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Arkansas RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $100 may apply. Contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal